R2AK 2020: One less waypoint, way more options

We like to say around here that simpler is harder, and we’ve made R2AK 2020 even more simple/hard than it already was by removing Seymour Narrows as a mandatory waypoint on the way to Ketchikan.

There’s still a qualifying stage from Port Townsend to Victoria, but when you leave from Victoria your next thing is to make it enginless to Bella Bella by any means necessary.

You can still go via Seymour Narrows, you just don’t have to. Consider it an open relationship.

Are you a tidal Jedi who’s found a current hack to shoot through some back channel like it was a log ride?
Have at it.

Feel like bashing into the full force of the Pacific Ocean and clawing off 200 miles of a rocky lee shore?
Be our guest.

Are you going to skip the complicated part and just portage your kayak the length of Vancouver Island before heading north?
You’ll find your reservation under ‘Crazy person, party of one.’

There is still one race, still one prize (plus steak knives), and we still finish in Ketchikan. Now you can get there by going outside, inside, or inside-er; just make sure to pass through Bella Bella at some point and you’re good.

The Fine Print

With open ocean wave trains that start building strength in Japan, a rocky coast, and absolutely no people or rescue personnel, the west coast of Vancouver Island is even less of a joke than the bear-infested cold waters of the Inside Passage. While we like audacity, we also consider ourselves Darwin’s bouncers and try not to encourage bad judgment. Teams wishing to have the option for an outside route will be vetted under an additional layer of scrutiny and will need to comply with our modified US Sailing’s Safety Equipment Requirements for a Coastal race (other than the having an engine part.)